While the KC Royals and Detroit Tigers (the two teams who reached the postseason from the American League Central) stand pat during the winter meetings, the other three teams are making moves.

Okay, Minnesota bringing back Torii Hunter was not a big move or done during the winter meetings. I am just glad the Royals did not throw money at him. They are rumored to be interested in free agent starter Kyle Kendrick (previously with Philly).

Sure, there are plenty of rumors out there regarding the Royals, like “they are interested in NY Mets starter Dillon Gee”, or “they have interest in free agent middle infielder Asdrubal Cabrera” meaning “Omar Infante is available”. However, nothing has come to fruition.

Meanwhile, Cleveland added slugger Brandon Moss from Oakland for a Double-A player (Joe Wendle). That was a rumored deal for about a week, so one of the other AL Central teams could have swooped in and stolen Moss (the Royals need a home run hitter).

The team making the most moves is Chicago and it started before the winter meetings with them signing free agent first baseman Adam LaRoche. That move adds some veteran leadership to a team that is quickly getting younger.

The White Sox then traded for Jeff Samardzija from the A’s (along with minor leaguer Michael Ynoa) for four players (including big leaguers Marcus Seimen and Chris Bassitt). Samardzija grew up a White Sox fan, so they are hoping he signs an extension.

Samardzija will now join a tough frontline of starters in Chris Sale and Jose Quintana, to go along with 2014 draft pick Carlos Rodon in 2015.

Then the White Sox signed closer David Robertson to a four year deal (though it is not official yet).

GM Dayton Moore has said that he is willing to be patient in order to get the right matches for the Royals. So, with Day 3 of the winter meetings already under way, it looks as though the Royals may return to Kansas City empty handed.

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About Jen Nevius

I first became a KC Royals fan way back in 1995 when I attended my first Wilmington Blue Rocks game. I fell in love with minor league baseball then and began following the Royals as former Blue Rocks clawed their way to the big leagues.
3+ years ago I started covering the Royals for Aerys Sports, but since the site has been shut down, I am going out on my own.